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Thursday, November 11, 2010

It's been too long since my last post and there is a lot to catch up on. Until I can get you all up to speed on K8 Vision's exciting year, I'd like to just start with the present. I recently finished creating a holiday feel for the Giannetti Home store in Brentwood, CA. Check out Brooke Giannetti's blog Velvet and Linen to read more...giannetti home: getting ready for the holidays!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

I've come across these driftwood, succulent creations made by some local artists. I have seen them sell at Farmers Markets, the Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice and other shops around in beach communities. My great friend Dana has seen them with me and has always said "you can make that and sell them too!" So for her birthday this month I made her my first driftwood succulent arrangement. It's an organic process since the driftwood takes its own shape when putting the pieces together. The one I created for Dana was made up of two pieces of driftwood, about 5 or so succulents, soil and Spanish moss. I added them to my Etsy shop and I am in the process of creating different types. They make beautiful centerpieces for indoor or outdoor areas. It think they would be perfect as part of decor for a wedding. Dana loved her birthday present and added it to her beach styled bathroom at home.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

I was hired by Karyn Millet to design a piece for her trade show booth for the Surtex show she will be attending in NYC this month. She had been inspired by the mannequins we designed last year for the Well Dressed Home book release; Karyn photographed the book. She wanted a mannequin/dress form made out of all her photographs. With the assistance of my talented friend Laura Stewart, Owner and Designer of Shimmywear and my new assistant Grace Shin we created this beautiful piece for Karyn. I was interviewed by Diana Fung that day and below is what she wrote for the Surtex show. Thank you Karyn for this wonderful opportunity now watch out Project Runway!

WHAT: May16-18, 2010, New York, NY – Even in a sea of original designs, Karyn Millet’s iconic photo mannequin stands out and encapsulates one of Surtex 2010 key themes, that is “finding new ways of using on-hand materials and products.” The photographer in collaboration with set designer Kate Burger uses her images in a fresh modern way to produce an original “one-of-a-kind “couture outfit which showcases the versatility of her imagery.

The mannequin's dress, painstakingly handcrafted from more than 50 of the award-winning photographer’s images, is a dazzling visual feast for the eyes. The inspiration for the dress was the1950’s classic style icon Audrey Hepburn but updated for a new decade.

Printed entirely on an Epson Stylus Photo 1400 printer, it took three set designers more than seven hours to create the photo mannequin’s dress by employing traditional sewing techniques such as pleating, gluing and T-pins to construct the fitted bodice and pleated skirt with a slimming overlay.

WHO: The photo mannequin is a collaboration by photographer Karyn Millet and set designer Kate Burger.

In 2010, Millet was singled out for her body of work in Photography during the prestigious Stars of Design Award from the Pacific Design Center at Westweek. With an inventory of more than 5,000 images, Millet’s work easily lends itself to a myriad of product and licensing opportunities.

“My aim is to photograph life and capture beauty – I love vibrant color and bold textures and this photo mannequin enabled us to showcase the design versatility and emotional imagery and language of my photos,” said Millet.

Known for her sumptuous store displays, Burger started her own business at a young age, and regularly provides freelance services to Anthropologie, Giannetti Homes and other retail stores for display design and execution including the launch of the Anthropologie store in Chicago.“Karyn’s stunning images were a pleasure to work with, and the photo mannequin is a perfect example of taking someone else’s art and combining their expertise with my vision and bringing it to life. Ultimately, my greatest motivation is to create something my clients love,” said Burger.

After 14 years in publishing and public relations, Karyn Millet decided to pursue her passion for the visual arts. In less than half that time, Millet has built a name for herself as an emerging new photographic talent in the interior design and hospitality industry. Her artwork has been installed in leading hotels, resorts and spas as well as private homes across the U.S.

In 2010, Millet was singled out for her body of work in Photography during the prestigious Stars of Design Award from the Pacific Design Center at Westweek. She has photographed three books in less than three years - Natural Style (Creative Homeowner), The Well-Dressed Home (Clarkson Potter), and Kids of Kilimanjaro. She is currently working on her next title about re-inventing oneself.

Millet exhibited her fine art collection in two solo shows at Lendrum Fine Art in Los Angeles which received media coverage by “Good Day LA” (FOX-TV) and Angeleno. Corporate clients include celebrated five-star hotels such as the Montage Resort Laguna Beach, The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Grand Del Mar, and Sea Island Resort.

“My goal is to photograph life - and that means capturing moments, chronicling scenes and capturing beauty,” says Millet. “I don’t push a shot, but rather constantly have an eye out for the right light on an intriguing, poignant or subtle subject. With all the beauty that God gives each day, it is a welcome challenge to create a photograph that can hold a moment.”

A native of Southern California, Millet grew up on the same beach her parents still call home. The sand, surf and shoreline remain some of her favorite photographic subjects as well as the vibrant colors, elaborate design motifs and engaging architecture of Guatemala, her father’s homeland.

Bio: Kate Burger, Set Designer

A native New Yorker, Burger today appears to be the quintessential laid-back California girl, but first impressions are deceptive as this young talented entrepreneur was passionate about design from a very early age, and started her own company which specializes in set production and visual displays, just a few years after graduating. Burger’s enthusiasm and talent for elaborate window dressing and sumptuous store displays has put her on the fast track and earned her fans in the design industry. She regularly provides freelance services to Anthropologie, Giannetti Homes and other retail stores for display design and execution including the launch of the Anthropologie store in Chicago.She also excels in the areas of set styling and collaborative design projects for art directors, production designers, photographers and works closely with event coordinators to produce weddings and special events. After graduating with a Bachelors degree in Fashion Merchandising Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, Burger worked in the visual department for Anthropologie in SoHo. She jumped at the opportunity to move to Los Angeles with the company and quickly become one of the lead display coordinators in the LA district. After three years on Anthropologies’ visual team, Burger launched her own business which specializes in set construction, from building sets to prop styling, and also incorporates set design and styling. Burger has a keen vision about where she wants to take her company and what she would like to do in the future to nurture her passion for design.“I love utilizing materials in new imaginative ways, and this along with my knowledge of prop resources, allows for limitless design possibilities,” said Burger. “Karyn’s stunning images were a pleasure to work with and the photo mannequin is a perfect example of taking someone else’s art and combining their expertise with my vision and bringing it to life. Ultimately, my greatest motivation is to create something my clients love. “

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

This past Sunday at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles I ran two workshops for kids and adults on how to turn ordinary books into art. This event was in conjunction with Milk and Bookies encouraging them to donate a book when they attended the workshop. There were two classes; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I prepared two paper mache animals to decorate. The kids had a blast helping me bring these animals to life. For the morning class we decorated an owl and the afternoon class we decorated a peacock. We used pages from recycled/discarded books, magazines and catalogs to create the feathers for these animals. With my guidance, the help of assistants and parents the children stenciled and cut out feathers and stuck those feathers every where! The kids really enjoyed the model magic to form the feet of the owl; those were some big feet! We didn't get to finish the animals but hopefully it will be a fun project to work on in the future at the Skirball Center. After we worked on the animals I taught the class how to make a simple paper flower using the same recycled elements. Everyone created such beautiful flowers and each one was different. I was inspired by one little girl that took a paper towel to make the petals for her flower!I love watching children’s imaginations go to work. This was such a great learning experience and I enjoyed working with everyone. Thanks to all the families that attended the workshop and thank you to the Skirball Cultural Center as well as Milk and Bookies. I look forward to more workshops!

Join the Skirball and the national charitable organization Milk + Bookies for an art workshop, led by artist Kate Burger, on turning discarded books into one-of-a-kind sculptures. Flip, fold, and mold parts of cast-off, unreadable books into fanciful birds and other creatures to take home and enjoy.

Share the joy of reading!—In the Milk + Bookies tradition, participants are encouraged to buy and inscribe a new book to be donated to local children in need. Purchase one at Audrey's Museum Store at the Skirball, or bring a new book with you to the workshop.

Monday, April 12, 2010

The New Fiat 500 pulling into car show set up - I love it! Photograph by K8 Vision

Ram Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Ram Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Chrysler Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Chrysler Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Dodge Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Dodge Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Jeep Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Jeep Display CasePhotograph by Bob Bonnell

Recently, I worked at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City for the International Auto Show with the George P. Johnson Company. I merchandised the display cases for Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Fiat brands. The Fiat 500 is on my list of favorite new cars. I suppose it wouldn't be too practical as my main work vehicle; lugging all my tools and supplies in it but otherwise it's definitely a perfect little car. I had a great time setting that display case with all the fun Fiat merchandise. This was the last major Auto Show until next season...I look forward to working with George P. Johnson in the near future.